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At a high altitude, there is less oxygen available to breathe. This can pose risks to people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

A study in Respiratory Research defines a high altitude as any elevation greater than 1,500 meters (m) — about 5,000 feet (ft) — above sea level.

People may experience altitude-related health effects while traveling in mountainous areas or during flights.

Read on to learn more about the challenges people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can face at high altitudes. We also describe symptoms of altitude sickness, and how to prepare for a trip.

Preparing for high altitude

People with COPD should change altitudes slowly.

Tips include:

1. Plan

Taking the time to plan can help people with COPD limit the effects of traveling to high altitudes.

Aim to change altitude as slowly as possible. A gradual adjustment is especially important for people with COPD.

One study of acute mountain sickness (AMS) suggests that the optimal rate of ascent should be no more than 500 m per day (about 1,640 ft) when starting at elevations higher than 2,500 m (around 8,200 ft) above sea level.

2. Talk to a doctor or pulmonologist

High altitudes can cause a range of health issues, including high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). This potentially life-threatening condition involves fluid in the lungs, and it can occur in otherwise healthy individuals.

People with COPD are more vulnerable to altitude-related illnesses, including HAPE.

After performing these tests, a doctor may recommend traveling with supplemental oxygen.

4. Take it easy at high altitudes

Limiting exercise, alcohol consumption, and the use of sleeping pills during the first 2 days at a high altitude may minimize the occurrence and severity of symptoms.

Results of a study published in Sports Health indicate that athletes may be especially vulnerable to acute high-altitude illness. The authors emphasize that changing altitude slowly helps to reduce strain on the body.

High altitude and COPD risks

People with COPD have a high risk of symptoms worsening at high altitudes, even if symptoms are stable at low altitudes.

Preexisting diseases like COPD can magnify the effects of decreased oxygen, worsening symptoms of altitude sickness and related conditions.

People with moderate to severe COPD often develop symptoms due to a lack of oxygen, according to a 2012 case report concerning air travel and COPD.

The authors refer to another study, which found that 25 percent of people with COPD experience symptoms of a lack of oxygen while flying.

Authors of a 2011 study concluded that people with severe or exacerbated COPD should not travel to elevations above 2,000 m (about 6,500 ft), but that people with stable COPD may be able to comfortably travel to elevations of 2,000–3,000 m (around 6,500–10,000 ft).

Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness can include headaches, fatigue, and weakness.

The Lake Louise Scoring System helps to diagnose AMS, the most common altitude sickness. It scores the five most common symptoms from zero to three:

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